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Chance Of A Below-Average Hurricane Season Grows In NOAA's Updated Forecast

Credit: NOAA

Another updated Atlantic hurricane forecast, another expectation of a below-average season for 2014.

The updated outlook from forecasters at NOAA's Climate Prediction Center puts the chances of a below-average season at 70%, a near-normal season at 25%, and only a 5% chance of an above-normal season.

The initial outlook put those chances at 50, 40 and 10 percent respectively.

“We are more confident that a below-normal season will occur because atmospheric and oceanic conditions that suppress cyclone formation have developed and will persist through the season,” said Gerry Bell, Ph.D., lead seasonal hurricane forecaster.

“Nonetheless, tropical storms and hurricanes can strike the U.S. during below-normal seasons, as we have already seen this year when Arthur made landfall in North Carolina as a category-2 hurricane. We urge everyone to remain prepared and be on alert throughout the season.”